Mobile Tower for Transportation And Remote Deployment

ABSTRACT

A mobile tower for transportation to and rapid deployment at remote sites where the mobile tower can be engaged with the ground, the mobile tower including an extendable and retractable tower secured to a mobile support structure including a frame having a plurality of rapidly deployable outriggers, wherein the tower includes three series of pivotally interconnected tower sections or segments, sections or segments of which engage with segments of each of the other series when the tower is assembled; the mobile tower including a rigging apparatus that generally encircles the tower and a plurality of guy wires secured between the tower and the respective outriggers to stabilize the tower after the tower is assembled. The guy wires are preferably secured to the rigging apparatus at first and second connecting positions that are displaced from one another about an outer perimeter of the rigging apparatus. Methods of deploying the mobile tower are also disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority benefit, under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), ofU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/646,756, filed Mar. 22, 2018,entitled “Mobile Tower For Transportation And Remote Deployment”, whichis incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The presentapplication is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/960,537,filed Sep. 21, 2001, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,310,915, and U.S.patent application Ser. No. 10/826,867, filed Apr. 16, 2004, now issuedas U.S. Pat. No. 7,357,365, and U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/282,994, filed Oct. 27, 2011, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,950,125,the disclosures of each of which are hereby incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to support columns, and specifically toimproved extendable and retractable towers, and more specifically to atower which can be rapidly deployed, and having a support system for thetower, and an arrangement for such tower with support system to bemobile and deployable at remote locations.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Tower structures for delivery to and erection at remote sites are knownin the art. Structures of this kind may be used to form an elevatedplatform for support of equipment or a person.

Mobile towers may be utilized for surveillance, as telecommunicationstowers, as supports for temporary lighting systems, or the like. Ingeneral, mobile towers may be used for any application where it isdesired to provide a support for a person or equipment at an elevatedlocation relative to its surroundings.

Although existing mobile towers have been satisfactory for someapplications, various shortcomings have limited their utility. Forexample, existing towers are often bulky, heavy and challenging totransport. This affects their ability to be delivered to remotelocations. After successfully transporting a tower to a remote location,it can take upwards of 1-2 hours or longer to or erect. This presents asignificant drawback where time is of the essence, such as in the wakeof a natural disaster where critical services such as emergencycommunications need to be immediately reestablished or when monitoring ahostile, armed enemy under wartime conditions. Often, existing mobiletowers will not be able to support a required payload or withstand windloads. Once an existing mobile tower has been erected and isoperational, there is usually nothing to protect the internal mechanicaland electrical components from the environment, animals, etc. over whatmay be an extended time period. This is a drawback where an extendableand retractable tower must operate autonomously and is deployed for anextended period of time in a remote location. With existing mobiletowers, it often takes as much time to lower or retract the tower as itdoes to erect it. This generally makes deployment and redeployment along and time consuming process. This also presents a significantdrawback because a tower may need to be refitted with different sensors,antennas, lighting, etc. or the tower may be in imminent danger ofcapture or destruction from a hostile enemy. Accordingly, there is aneed in the art for an rapidly deployable mobile tower that addressesthese drawbacks.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes a mobile tower for transportation to andrapid deployment at remote sites where the mobile tower can be engagedwith the ground, the mobile tower comprising an extendable andretractable tower secured to a mobile support structure; the mobilesupport structure including a trailer having a frame; the trailerincluding a plurality of rapidly deployable outriggers for groundengagement; wherein the outriggers can be compactly secured to the frameduring transportation to such remote sites and rapidly deployed tostabilize the tower at such remote sites; wherein the tower includesthree series of pivotally interconnected tower segments; wherein towersegments in each of the respective series of pivotally interconnectedtower segments engage with tower segments in each of the other two ofthe three series of pivotally interconnected tower segments when thetower is at least partially assembled such that one tower segment fromeach of the three series of tower segments will be engaged with onetower segment of each of the other two series of pivotallyinterconnected tower segments to form a series of tower stories eachincluding three tower segments; wherein when the tower is assembled,each tower story will have an axis central to and generally equidistantfrom each of the respective tower segments within each of the respectivetower stories; the mobile tower further including a rigging apparatusand a plurality of guy wires for stabilizing the tower when the tower isassembled, wherein the rigging apparatus is secured to the towerproximate one of the respective tower stories when the tower is at leastpartially assembled; wherein the rigging apparatus generally encirclesthe tower proximate one of the respective tower stories when it issecured to the tower; and wherein each of the respective plurality ofguy wires is secured to and interconnected between the rigging apparatusand one of the plurality of outriggers when the respective outrigger isdeployed; wherein each of the respective outriggers have two of theplurality of guy wires secured proximate an end of each of theoutriggers when the respective outriggers are deployed and the tower isat least partially assembled; wherein each of the two guy wires securedproximate the end of each of the respective outriggers is also securedto the rigging apparatus; wherein each of the two guy wires securedbetween the respective outriggers and the rigging apparatus areinterconnected to the rigging apparatus in first and second connectingpositions that are displaced from one another about an outer perimeterof the rigging apparatus. In preferred embodiments, the first and secondconnecting positions are generally equidistant from the axis of thetower story most proximate the rigging apparatus; wherein tower segmentsin each of the respective series of pivotally interconnected towersegments preferably engage with tower segments in each of the other twoof the three series of pivotally interconnected tower segments when thetower is at least partially assembled such that one tower segment fromeach of the three series of tower segments will be engaged with onetower segment of each of the other two series of pivotallyinterconnected tower segments to form a series of tower stories eachincluding three tower segments, one from each of the respective seriesof pivotally interconnected tower segments; and wherein the outriggersare preferably pivotally secured to the frame; and wherein each of theoutriggers includes a plurality of members and at least one of theplurality of members is telescopically expandable from another one ofthe plurality of members so as to extend the length of the respectiveoutrigger during deployment.

The present invention also provides an alternate tower fortransportation to and rapid deployment at remote sites where the towercan be engaged with the ground, the tower comprising an extendable andretractable tower secured to a support structure; the support structureincluding a frame; the frame including a plurality of rapidly deployableoutriggers for ground engagement; wherein the outriggers can becompactly secured to the frame and are rapidly deployable to stabilizethe tower at remote sites; wherein the tower includes three series ofpivotally interconnected tower segments; wherein tower segments in eachof the respective series of pivotally interconnected tower segmentsengage with tower segments in each of the other two of the three seriesof pivotally interconnected tower segments when the tower is at leastpartially assembled such that one tower segment from each of the threeseries of tower segments will be engaged with one tower segment of eachof the other two series of pivotally interconnected tower segments toform a series of tower stories each including three tower segments;wherein when the tower is assembled, each tower story will preferablyhave an axis central to and generally equidistant from each of therespective tower segments within each of the respective tower stories;the tower further including a rigging apparatus and a plurality of guywires for stabilizing the tower when the tower is assembled, wherein therigging apparatus is secured to the tower proximate one of therespective tower stories when the tower is at least partially assembled;wherein the rigging apparatus generally encircles the tower proximateone of the respective tower stories when it is secured to the tower; andwherein each of the respective plurality of guy wires is secured to andinterconnected between the rigging apparatus and one of the plurality ofoutriggers when the respective outrigger is deployed; wherein each ofthe respective outriggers have two of the plurality of guy wires securedproximate an end of each of the outriggers when the respectiveoutriggers are deployed and the tower is at least partially assembled;wherein each of the two guy wires secured proximate the end of each ofthe respective outriggers is also secured to the rigging apparatus;wherein each of the two guy wires secured between the respectiveoutriggers and the rigging apparatus are interconnected to the riggingapparatus in first and second connecting positions that are displacedfrom one another about an outer perimeter of the rigging apparatus. Inpreferred embodiments, the first and second connecting positions aregenerally equidistant from the axis of the tower story most proximatethe rigging apparatus; wherein tower segments in each of the respectiveseries of pivotally interconnected tower segments preferably engage withtower segments in each of the other two of the three series of pivotallyinterconnected tower segments when the tower is at least partiallyassembled such that one tower segment from each of the three series oftower segments will be engaged with one tower segment of each of theother two series of pivotally interconnected tower segments to form aseries of tower stories each including three tower segments, one fromeach of the respective series of pivotally interconnected towersegments; and wherein the outriggers are preferably pivotally secured tothe frame; and wherein each of the outriggers includes a plurality ofmembers and at least one of the plurality of members is telescopicallyexpandable from another one of the plurality of members so as to extendthe length of the respective outrigger during deployment. Methods ofdeploying such an alternate tower are also provided.

The present invention also includes a method of deploying a mobile towerthat includes transporting the mobile tower to a location, preferable aremote site; erecting the tower at a remote site on ground located atthe site, wherein the method further includes the steps of providing aremotely deployable mobile tower including three section chains, eachsection chain including a series of pivotally interconnected chainsegments or sections rolled into a bale, each chain section having hooksthat engage hooks on corresponding chain sections of other of the threesection chains to interlock the corresponding chain sections when thebales are unrolled, so that the interlocked chain sections assemble toform a stable structure which extends to form a tower as the bales areunrolled, the three bales being attached to a mobile trailer; providinga mobile support system including the trailer, the trailer having aframe, and the mobile support system including a plurality of rapidlydeployable outriggers that can be compactly secured to the frame duringtransportation at such remote sites, each outrigger including aplurality of outrigger members at least one of which is pivotallyinterconnected with another one of the outrigger members and at leastone of the outrigger members is slideably interconnected with anotherone of the outrigger members to form a telescopically expandablestructure, so that each outrigger is transformable between a compacttransportation configuration and a less-compact deployed configuration;configuring the mobile tower and the mobile support system in atransportation configuration in which the mobile tower and mobilesupport system are secured together on the trailer in a compactconfiguration which allows transport to the remote site; transformingthe outriggers from the compact transportation configuration to adeployed configuration in which each outrigger engages the groundsurface, with the point of engagement of the respective outriggers beingarranged to provide stable support for the tower when erected; andunrolling the bales so that the chain sections interlock to form towerwhile the support system aids in stabilizing the structure; wherein thestep of unrolling the bales so that the chain sections interlock to formtower includes the step of pausing the unrolling as the tower ispartially assembled so that the tower extends an initial distance, andfurther comprising the steps of providing an attachable guy-wiremounting structure; providing a plurality of guy wires, each of whichhaving a first end and a second end; attaching the attachable guy-wiremounting structure to the partially assembled tower and attaching thefirst end of each of the plurality of guy wires to the attachableguy-wire mounting structure; attaching the second end of each of theplurality of guy wires to one of the plurality of outriggers; furtherunrolling the bales to extend the tower; and adjusting the length andtension of the guy wires to provide support for the erected tower.

In preferred embodiments, the method further comprises the steps ofproviding a tension measurement device; providing a vertical alignmentmeasurement device; and using the vertical alignment measurement deviceand the tension measurement device to aid in the step of adjusting thelength and tension of the guy wires to facilitate alignment for verticalorientation of the erected tower and tension for support againstanticipated loads; and preferably further comprising the steps ofpartially rolling up the bales to partially disassemble the tower;detaching the first end of the guy wires from the attachable guy-wiremounting structure; detaching the attachable guy-wire mounting structurefrom the tower; further rolling up the bales to disassemble the tower;detaching the second end of the guy wires from the outriggers; andtransforming the outriggers from the deployed configuration to thecompact transportation configuration.

In preferred embodiments the method further comprises the steps ofproviding a plurality of brace wires, each brace wire having a first endand a second end, each of the respective first end being secured to eachof a plurality of winches, each of the respective winches being securedto the frame; wherein the step of transforming the outriggers from thecompact transportation configuration to a deployed configurationincludes the steps of attaching the second end of each of the pluralityof brace wires to one of the plurality of outriggers; and using each ofthe plurality of winches to adjust the length and tension of therespective brace wire to raise or lower the respective outrigger tocontact the ground surface to support the trailer and the mobile tower;wherein the plurality of outriggers of the provided mobile supportsystem each preferably includes a plurality of longitudinal members anda plurality of joints and a plurality of securing mechanisms and asupport strut and a foot having a foot pad, and further comprising thestep of moving each of the plurality of joints to configure thelongitudinal members and the support strut in a deployed configurationgenerally extending from the trailer and configuring the respective footso that the respective foot pad contacts the ground surface, and usingeach of the plurality of securing mechanisms to secure each of therespective joints in the deployed configuration.

In alternate embodiments, a further method includes the steps ofproviding a remotely deployable tower including three section chains,each section chain including a series of pivotally interconnected chainsegments or sections rolled into a bale, each chain section having hooksthat engage hooks on corresponding chain sections or segments of otherof the three section or segment chains to interlock the correspondingchain sections when the bales are unrolled, so that the interlockedchain sections assemble to form a stable structure which extends to forma tower as the bales are unrolled, the three bales being attached to aframe; providing a support system including a frame, and the frameincluding a plurality of rapidly deployable outriggers that arepreferable compactly secured to the frame during delivery at such remotesites, each outrigger including a plurality of outrigger members atleast one of which is pivotally interconnected with another one of theoutrigger members and at least one of outrigger member is preferablyslideably interconnected with another one of the outrigger members toform a telescopically expandable structure, so that each outrigger istransformable between a compact transportation configuration and aless-compact deployed configuration; configuring the tower and the framein a transportation configuration in which the tower and frame aresecured together in a compact configuration which allows transport tothe remote site; transforming the outriggers from the compacttransportation configuration to a deployed configuration in which eachoutrigger engages the ground surface, with the point of engagement ofthe respective outriggers being arranged to provide stable support forthe tower when erected; and unrolling the bales together so that thechain sections interlock to form the tower while the frame aids instabilizing the structure; wherein the step of unrolling the bales sothat the chain sections interlock to form tower includes the step ofpausing the unrolling as the tower is partially assembled so that thetower extends an initial distance, and further comprising the steps ofproviding an attachable guy wire mounting structure or riggingapparatus; providing a plurality of guy wires, each of which having afirst end and a second end; attaching the attachable guy-wire mountingstructure to the partially assembled tower and attaching the first endof each of the plurality of guy wires to the attachable guy wiremounting structure or rigging apparatus; attaching each of the secondends of each of the plurality of guy wires to one of the plurality ofoutriggers; further unrolling the bales to extend the tower; andadjusting the length and tension of the guy wires to provide support forthe erected tower.

These and various other advantages and features of novelty whichcharacterize the present invention are pointed out with particularity inthe claims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof. However, for abetter understanding of the invention, its advantages and objectsobtained by its use, reference should be made to the drawings which forma further part hereof, and to the accompanying descriptive matter, inwhich there is illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objects of the present invention and many of the attendantadvantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as thesame becomes better understood by reference to the following detaileddescription when considered in connection with the accompanyingdrawings, in which like reference numbers and letters designate likeparts throughout the figures thereof, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mobile tower having a support systemprior to deployment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the mobile tower 10 shown in FIG. 1, butillustrating parts of an outrigger of the support system partlydeployed, and in an intermediate position shown in phantom;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the mobile tower 10 shown in FIG. 1, butillustrated with the outriggers fully extended;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the mobile tower shown in FIG. 1, butshowing the tower partially extended and a rigging apparatus and guywires attached;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the mobile tower shown in FIG. 1, butshowing the tower fully extended and the outriggers fully deployed;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the mobile trailer shown in FIG. 1, which is aportion of the trailer, wherein the trailer is showing one of theoutriggers compactly secured to the frame and other outriggers extended;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the portion of the trailer 35 shown inFIG. 6, with one outrigger compactly secured to the frame and the otheroutriggers extended as in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged portion of the view of the trailer 35 of FIG. 7,with an alternate location of a portion of one of the outriggers shownin phantom;

FIG. 9A shows a portion of one of the outriggers shown in the dashedoutlined box 9A of FIG. 8, showing a double pivot joint, as indicated inFIG. 8;

FIG. 9B is a partial sectional view of a portion of the pivot joint ofFIG. 9A, as seen from the line 9B-9B, which passes through an axis 70 aof the shaft or pin 72 a;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the portion of the trailer 35 of FIG.7, showing one of the outriggers 40 a in an intermediate position, witha portion of the outrigger rotated to partially extend the outrigger,and illustrating pivoting joints;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of an outrigger,further illustrating the double pivot joint illustrated in FIG. 9A andindicating the possible rotations of the double pivot joint;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the portion of the trailer 35 of FIG. 7similar to that of FIG. 10, but with the partially extended outrigger 40a in another intermediate position, with portions of the outriggerrotated further and the outrigger extended further;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the portion of the trailer 35 of FIG. 7similar to that of FIG. 12, but with the partially extended outrigger 40a in a further intermediate position, but with the outrigger fullyrotated;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the portion of the trailer 35 of FIG. 7similar to that of FIG. 13, but with all four outriggers fully extended;

FIG. 15 is a side view of a portion of an extended outrigger 40 a,showing telescoping elements;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the trailer 35of FIG. 7 with outriggers extended as in FIG. 14, illustrating portionsof two outriggers 40 a and 40 d;

FIG. 17 is an enlarged side view of a portion of the trailer 35 of FIG.7, but illustrating an outrigger 40 a extended as in FIGS. 14 and 15,and further illustrating the function of a pivoting joint 43 a whichprovides for vertical adjustment of the outrigger, showing an alternateposition of the outrigger in phantom, and illustrating securing pins 63pa and 65 pa of the a telescoping strut system;

FIG. 18A is an enlarged partially exploded side view of a portion of theoutrigger of FIG. 17, illustrating a telescoping ground-contact footportion and an exploded rotating joint, showing the ground-contact footportion telescopingly extended to contact the ground 2;

FIG. 18B is an enlarged view of a portion of the outrigger of FIG. 17similar to the view of FIG. 18A, but not showing the exploded view,illustrating the rotating joint in a non-rotated position andillustrating the rotating joint in a rotated position in phantom,showing how the telescoping ground-contact foot portion is moveable byrotating the rotating joint;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a portion of a rigging system 84,illustrating a rigging apparatus 85;

FIG. 20 is a top view of the rigging apparatus 85 of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a portion of the mobile tower, with thetower 14 partially extended as in FIG. 4, illustrating a portion of therigging apparatus 85 secured to the tower or tower mast 14;

FIG. 22 is a further perspective view of a portion of the mobile towersimilar to that of FIG. 4, but enlarge to show further detail, with mostof the guy wires 88 a-88 d and 88 f-88 h attached to connectingpositions or upper attachment features 87 (namely, 87 a-87 h in FIG. 20)on an outer perimeter 83 of the rigging apparatus 85;

FIG. 23A is a top view of the mobile tower shown in FIGS. 4 and 22, butnot showing the tower top platform 12, wherein the rigging system isshown with the guy wires attached to the outer perimeter 83 of therigging apparatus 85 and the respective outriggers 40 a-40 d, but nottensioned or taut;

FIG. 23B is a top view of the mobile tower shown in FIG. 5, but notshowing the tower top platform 12, wherein the rigging system is shownas shown in FIG. 23A, but with the guy wires between the outer perimeterof the rigging apparatus and the respective outriggers tensioned ortaut;

FIG. 23C is an enlarged top view of a portion of the mobile tower asshown in FIG. 23B, illustrating the locations of upper guy wireattachment features 87 a-87 h;

FIG. 24A is an enlarged detailed portion of the rigging system 84 shownin the dashed circle 24A shown in FIG. 23A, illustrating the first endsof each of two guy wires each attached guy wire upper attachmentfeatures of the rigging apparatus;

FIG. 24B is an enlarged detailed portion of the rigging system 84, shownin the dashed oval 24B shown in FIG. 23A, illustrating come-alongs 89 aand 89 b secured to the second ends 92 of two guy wires 88, which areattached to respective come-along attachment features 90 a and 90 b ofan outrigger 40 a;

FIG. 25 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the mobile towershown in the dashed oval 25 shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 26A is a perspective view of a portion of the tower 14 of FIG. 4,illustrating portions of three distinct chains 15 of pivotallyinterconnected tower segments 16, showing tower segments in each of thethree segment chains 15 engaging with tower segments 16 in other ofsegment chains 15 to form a tower story 38 as would occur as the tower14 is extended during deployment, and providing indications relating toan axis of rotation of each of the three tower segment chains 15;

FIG. 26B is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the mobiletower shown in the dashed circle 26B in FIG. 26A, illustrating a hook 19af of one tower segment 16 of one of the segment chains 15 engaging ahook 20 bf of another tower segment 16 of a different segment chain oncorresponding tower segments of another of the three different segmentchains 15;

FIG. 26C is an enlarged view of a portion of one of the segment chains15 shown in the dashed circle 26C of FIG. 26A, showing a hook 19 agpartially in phantom, when engaged with adjacent tower segments 16 afand 16 ag to pivotally connect the two tower segments, which are alsoshown partially in phantom;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a tension measurement device or tool 8engaging a guy wire 88 to measure the guy wire tension; and

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of an alternate mobile tower 110, similarto that shown in FIGS. 1-5, but including a tower 114 that is secured toa frame 136 that has no wheels, as opposed to the trailer 35 shown inFIGS. 1-5 that has wheels 34 for transporting the trailer 36; whereinFIG. 28 illustrates parts of an outrigger 140 a of the frame 136partially deployed in the same manner that corresponding parts areillustrated in FIG. 2, in which the outrigger 40 a is shown partiallydeployed and shown in phantom in an alternate intermediate position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings, and to FIGS. 1-5 in particular, a mobiletower having support system or mobile tower with support system ormobile tower 10 is shown. The mobile tower 10 can be configured andarranged for transport to a location and for rapid deployment at thelocation, as shown in FIG. 1. Referring now particularly to FIG. 1, themobile tower with support system 10 includes a trailer 35 having a frame36 and a plurality of outriggers 40 that are preferably compactlysecured to the frame 36 for transport as illustrated in FIG. 1. Themobile tower with support system 10 includes an extendable andretractable tower 14 and a trailer 35. The trailer 35 preferablyincludes a frame 36 and a plurality of outriggers 40 (individuallyreferred to as items 40 a, 40 b, 40 c, 40 d), which are compactlysecured on the trailer 35 having wheels 34, so that the mobile towerwith support system 10 can be conveniently transported such as by towingthe trailer 35 along roadways to a location where a tower is required.There are many situations in which such a mobile tower can beadvantageously utilized to support a payload 6 a distance above theground, such as to support a communication antenna, lighting, camera orother monitoring equipment, surveying or reconnaissance equipment, orfor supporting personnel, for example. The present invention isparticularly advantageous for situations in which rapid deployment of atower offers benefit, such as for rapid response at a location affectedby a weather event or other disruptive situation or equipment failure,or when rapid deployment offers a strategic advantage in a lawenforcement or military action, for example.

Preferably, the trailer 35 includes a plurality of outriggers 40, which,when deployed, offer stability and support in addition to what can beachieved by a tower or a trailer without such stabilizing outriggers.Preferably, the support system trailer 35 includes a frame 36, whichprovides integrity to the support system trailer 35 and securement ofthe outriggers 40 and the tower 14. FIG. 1 illustrates the mobile towerhaving support system 10 mounted to a mobile trailer 35 which can betransported to a desired location for deployment of the tower 14. Thesupport system trailer 35 preferably includes four outriggers 40, eachattached to the frame 36, and the outriggers 40 can be compactly securedto the frame 36 for transport as illustrated. Outrigger securingmechanisms 41 secure each of the outriggers 40 compactly and securely tothe frame 36 for transport; each of the outrigger securing mechanisms 41preferably includes a releasable latch 42 which releasably engages theoutrigger 40. Preferably, when the outriggers 40 are compactly securedto the frame 36 for transport, the mobile tower having support system 10can be transported along roadways, meeting dimensional requirements forpassage along such roadways. For example, when compactly secured fortransport, the mobile tower having support system 10 has a width whichis preferably no greater than about 102 inches to comply with roadwayrequirements in the U.S.

When the mobile tower having support system 10 is located at a locationwhere the tower 14 is to be utilized, the mobile tower having supportsystem 10 is deployed to provide support and stability for the extendedmobile tower 14. FIGS. 2-4 illustrate intermediate positions of themobile tower with support system 10 to show how the mobile tower withsupport system 10 is deployed. An outrigger 40 is released fromsecurement to the frame 36 and is moved as illustrated in FIG. 2, whichshows the outrigger 40 a pivoting and extending outwardly from the frame36. To further support each outrigger 40, the trailer 35 preferablyincludes a strut system 60 and a brace system 74; the outrigger 40, thetrailer 35, and the brace system 74 are described in detail elsewhereherein, including in connection with FIGS. 6-18B below.

FIG. 2 further illustrates in phantom an intermediate position in whichthe outrigger 40 a is extended less, to show how the outrigger 40 canarticulate and extend from the frame 36. The outriggers 40 b, 40 c, 40 dare extended in a similar manner; each of the four outriggers 40 isfurther extended as illustrated in FIG. 3. All four of the outriggers 40are fully extended, and the tower 14 is partially extended asillustrated in FIG. 4. Preferably, after all of the outriggers 40 arefully extended and engaged with the ground 2 as illustrated in FIG. 4,the tower 14 is partially extended and a rigging system 84 is attachedto the tower 14, and guy wires or guywires 88 are attached as alsoillustrated in FIG. 4, and as further described elsewhere herein.Preferably, the mobile tower with support system 10 includes a workplatform 11 for ease of access to payload mounting and service; the workplatform 11 may include guard rails, which may fold to a compactarrangement for transport.

Preferably, after the guy wires 88 are attached, the tower 14 isextended and the tension in each of the guy wires 88 is adjusted as willbe described in detail herein; FIG. 5 illustrates the mobile tower withsupport system 10 deployed with the tower 14 extended.

Now describing the mobile tower with support system 10 in greater detailwith regard to FIGS. 6-18B, we note that some elements of the mobiletower with support system 10 are not shown on FIGS. 6-18B for clarity,in order to better illustrate aspects of the trailer 35; in particular,the tower 14 is not shown in these views since it would further obscuresome portions of the trailer 35.

As illustrated in FIGS. 6-8, the frame 36 is preferably affixed to atrailer 35, outrigger 40 a is compactly secured to the frame, and theoutriggers 40 b, 40 c, and 40 d are extended. Strut systems 60 a, 60 b,60 c, and 60 d are rotatably attached to the frame 36 and also to therespective outrigger 40 a, 40 b, 40 c, 40 d. Brace systems 74 a, 74 b,74 c, and 74 d are also attached to the frame 36 and also to therespective outrigger 40 a, 40 b, 40 c, 40 d. The progression ofextending and deploying the outriggers 40 is illustrated in FIGS. 6-18B.In particular, extension and deployment of outrigger 40 a is shown ingreater detail than that of the outriggers 40 b, 40 c, and 40 d.Outriggers 40 b, 40 c, and 40 d preferably extend and deploy in asimilar manner to that illustrated for outrigger 40 a, although someelements and the general configuration and movements of outriggers 40 band 40 c preferably are plane-reflected or “mirror-image” of those ofoutriggers 40 a and 40 d, as can be seen on the figures. The sequence incollapsing the outriggers 40 and compactly securing them to the frame 36preferably is generally the reverse of the sequence of extending anddeploying the outriggers 40.

When it is desired to transport the mobile tower with support system 10,the outriggers 40 are preferably compactly secured to the frame 36, asis the outrigger 40 a as illustrated in FIGS. 6-8. Outrigger securingmechanisms 41 engage each respective outrigger 40 to secure eachrespective outrigger 40 compactly and securely to the frame 36 fortransport. Each of the outrigger securing mechanisms 41 can includevarious latching and securing mechanisms such as pins, clips, cables,hooks, latches, locks, keys, and so forth; each outrigger securingmechanism preferably includes a releasable latch 42 which releasablyengages the outrigger 40 to releaseably secure the outrigger 40 fortransport. Each outrigger securing mechanism 41 also preferably includesa stow pin 58 which engages the outrigger 40 proximate to the outriggersecond pivoting joint 45 to secure the outrigger 40 to the frame 36.Preferably, when the outriggers 40 are compactly secured to the frame 36for transport, the mobile tower with support system 10 can betransported along roadways, meeting dimensional requirements for passagealong such roadways. When the mobile tower with support system 10 islocated at a location where the tower 14 is to be utilized, levelingjacks 37 are adjusted to engage the ground 2 to support the trailer 35,and the mobile tower with support system 10 is deployed to providesupport and stability for the mobile tower 14. When it is desired toextend and deploy the outriggers 40, the respective outrigger securingmechanism 41 is disengaged. With the outrigger securing mechanism 41disengaged, the respective outrigger 40 can be extended and deployed. Asillustrated in partial phantom view in FIG. 8, the outrigger 40 a, withthe outrigger securing mechanism 41 a having been released, can rotateaway from its compact secured position against the frame 36. Referringto the illustration of outrigger 40 a in FIG. 8, the outrigger 40 a ispreferably attached to the frame 36 by an outrigger first pivoting joint43 a, and includes an outrigger second pivoting joint 45 a to allow anoutrigger first portion 44 a and an outrigger second portion 46 a topivot relative to each other. Referring also to FIGS. 9A-11, thesupporting strut system 60 a is preferably also attached to the frame 36and to the outrigger 40 a by a strut first pivoting joint 61 a whichpivots about a fourth axis 68 a. The strut system 60 a preferablyincludes a strut first portion 62 a which telescopes at a strut firsttelescoping joint 63 a relative to a strut second portion 64 a so thatthe strut system 60 a extends as the outrigger 40 a is extended from theframe 36. The strut system 60 a also preferably includes a strut thirdportion 66 a which telescopes at a strut second telescoping joint 65 arelative to the strut second portion 64 a so that the strut system 60 aextends as the outrigger 40 a is extended from the frame 36. The strutthird portion 66 a is preferably attached to the outrigger secondportion 46 a by a strut second pivoting joint 67 a. The strut secondpivoting joint 67 a is preferably a double pivoting joint, providingrotation of the strut third portion 66 a relative to the outriggersecond portion 46 a about two axes (fifth axis 69 a and sixth axis 70a). In the strut second pivoting joint 67 a, as illustrated in FIGS. 9Aand 9B, rotating flange 71 a provides for rotation about the fifth axis69 a, and shaft 72 a provides for rotation about the sixth axis 70 a.

The outrigger 40 a and the strut system 60 a are further extended anddeployed as illustrated in FIG. 10. The outrigger first pivoting joint43 a, provides for rotation about a first axis 54 a, so that theoutrigger 40 a can extend from the frame 36 and deploy. The outriggersecond pivoting joint provides for rotation about a second axis 55 a, sothat the outrigger second portion 46 a can rotate with respect to theoutrigger first portion 44 a to further extend and deploy the outrigger40 a. The strut first pivoting joint 61 a provides for rotation, so thatthe strut system 60 a can rotate with respect to the frame 36,preferably about the same axis as the outrigger first pivoting joint 43a, namely, the first axis 54 a. The strut first pivoting joint 61 a ispreferably a double pivoting joint, and additionally provides forrotation about a fourth axis 68 a.

The outrigger 40 a and the strut system 60 a are further extended anddeployed as illustrated in FIG. 12, and still further extended anddeployed as illustrated in FIG. 13. When the outrigger first portion 44a has been rotated with respect to the frame 36 as illustrated in FIG.13, locking pin 57 a is engaged at the outrigger first pivoting joint 43a to prevent rotation of the outrigger first pivoting joint 43 a tosecure outrigger 40 a at a desired angle with respect to the frame 36.The outrigger 40 a is secured at an angle 59 with respect to the frame36; preferably, the angle 59 is about 45 degrees. As the outrigger 40 aand the strut system 60 a are extended and deployed as generallyillustrated in FIGS. 7-13, the strut system 60 a provides support andstability for the outrigger 40 a.

The outrigger 40 a preferably includes an outrigger third portion 48 awhich telescopes with respect to the outrigger second portion 46 a atoutrigger telescoping joint 47 a, to further extend the outrigger 40 aas illustrated particularly in FIGS. 14-16. Each outrigger securingmechanism 41 also preferably includes a stow pin 58 which engages theoutrigger 40 proximate the outrigger second pivoting joint 45 to securethe outrigger 40 to the frame 36 for transport, and the stow pin isdisengaged for deployment of the outrigger 40. Preferably, when theoutrigger first portion 44 a is aligned with the outrigger secondportion 46 a by rotation of the outrigger second pivoting joint 45, thestow pin 58 a is engaged with the outrigger first portion 44 a and theoutrigger second portion 46 a to prevent rotation of the outriggersecond pivoting joint 45 a. Each outrigger 40 also preferably includesan outrigger telescoping pin 47 p which engages the outrigger 40proximate the outrigger telescoping joint 47 to secure the outriggerthird portion 48 compactly retracted with respect to the outriggersecond portion 46 for transport, and the outrigger telescoping pin 47 pis disengaged when it is desired to extend the outrigger third portion48 from the outrigger second portion 46 for deployment of the outrigger40. Preferably, when the outrigger third portion 48 a is extended fordeployment, the outrigger telescoping pin 47 pa is engaged with theoutrigger third portion 48 a and the outrigger second portion 46 a toprevent telescopic movement of the outrigger telescoping joint 47 a.

Each strut system 60 preferably includes a strut first telescoping pin63 p which engages the strut system 60 proximate the strut firsttelescoping joint 63 to secure the strut second portion 64 compactlyretracted with respect to the strut first portion 62, and the strutfirst telescoping pin 63 p is disengaged when it is desired to extendthe strut second portion 64 from the strut first portion 62 fordeployment of the strut system 60. Each strut system 60 also preferablyincludes a strut second telescoping pin 65 p which engages the strutsystem 60 proximate the strut second telescoping joint 65 to secure thestrut third portion 66 compactly retracted with respect to the strutsecond portion 64, and the strut second telescoping pin 65 p isdisengaged when it is desired to extend the strut third portion 66 fromthe strut second portion 64 for deployment of the strut system 60.Preferably, when the strut system 60 is extended for deployment, thestrut first telescoping pin 63 p is engaged with the strut secondportion 64 and the strut first portion 62 to prevent telescopic movementof the strut first telescoping joint 63, and the strut first second pin65 p is engaged with the strut third portion 66 and the strut secondportion 64 to prevent telescopic movement of the strut secondtelescoping joint 65.

The brace system 74 a preferably includes a brace winch 75 a and a bracewire 76 a. The brace wire 76 a is secured to the brace winch 75 a whichcan wind and unwind the brace wire from the brace winch 75 a. The bracewire 76 a passes through a brace first pulley 77 a which is attached tothe frame 36 by a brace first pulley pivoting joint 78 a which allowsthe brace system 74 a to align with respect to the outrigger 40 a as theoutrigger 40 a is extended and deployed. The brace wire 76 a also passesthrough a brace second pulley 79 a which is attached to the outrigger 40a; preferably, the brace second pulley 79 a is attached to the outriggerfirst portion 44 a. In this way, the brace system 74 a functions as ablock and tackle arrangement; by actuating the brace winch 75 a, theoutrigger 40 a is raised or lowered as needed, as illustrated in FIG.17.

The outrigger 40 preferably includes a foot portion 50 which pivots withrespect to the outrigger third portion 48 at foot pivoting joint 49, andwhich is located proximate the outrigger end 81, as illustratedparticularly in FIGS. 18A-18B. The foot pivot pin 49 p can be disengagedto allow the foot portion 50 a to pivot with respect to the outriggerthird portion 48 a at the foot pivoting joint 49 a to orient the footportion 50 a for engagement with the ground 2; when the foot portion 50a is at the desired orientation, the foot pivot pin 49 p is engaged tosecure the foot portion 50 a with respect to the foot pivoting joint 49a. The foot portion 50 a preferably includes a foot jack 51 a and a dropleg 52 a and a drop leg pin mechanism 53 a. The drop leg pin mechanism53 a can be disengaged to allow the drop leg 52 a to telescope withrespect to the foot jack 51 a, and the drop leg pin mechanism 53 a canbe engaged to secure the drop leg 52 a in position with respect to thefoot jack 51 a. The foot portion 50 a preferably includes a foot plateor foot pad 52 a for contact with the ground 2. This configurationprovides a further adjustment for contact with the ground 2 in additionto raising or lowering the outrigger 40 a by adjustment of the bracesystem 74 a and actuation of the brace winch 75 a. The foot portion 50 apreferably includes a Bulldog® HD Square Trailer Jack, part number182400, available from Cequent Performance Products, Inc., Plymouth,Mich. Preferably, the general configuration for outriggers 40 a, 40 b,40 c, and 40 d are similar, with corresponding outrigger first portions44 a, 44 b, 44 c, 44 d, outrigger second portions 46 a, 46 b, 46 c, 46d, outrigger third portion 48 a, 48 b, 48 c, 48 d, foot portion 50 a, 50b, 50 c, 50 d, outrigger ends 81 a, 81 b, 81 c, 81 d, and so forth.

As described above, the brace system 74 a functions as a block andtackle arrangement; by actuating the brace winch 75 a, the outrigger 40a is raised or lowered as needed to allow the deployed outrigger 40 a tocontact the ground. With similar raising or lowering of the otherdeployed outriggers 40 b, 40 c, and 40 d by brace systems 74 b, 74 c,and 74 d, and adjustment of the foot portions 50 b, 50 c, and 50 d,respectively, the outriggers 40 can be individually adjusted toaccommodate the topography of the ground while orienting and stabilizingthe mobile tower with support system 10 as desired.

The above description has particularly detailed aspects of the outrigger40 a, the strut system 60 a, and the brace system 74 a. As describedabove, the trailer 35 preferably includes outriggers 40 b, 40 c, and 40d, strut systems 60 b, 60 c, and 60 d, and brace systems 74 b, 74 c, and74 d, which preferably extend and deploy and adjust in a similar mannerto that illustrated and described in detail for outrigger 40 a, strutsystem 60 a, and brace system 74 a, respectively, although some elementsand the general configuration and movements of outriggers 40 b and 40 c,strut systems 60 b and 60 c, and brace systems 74 b and 74 c preferablyare plane-reflected or “mirror-image” of those of outriggers 40 a and 40d, strut systems 60 a and 60 d, and brace systems 74 a and 74 d,respectively, as can be seen in the drawing figures.

Preferably, after all four outriggers 40 a, 40 b, 40 c, and 40 d, strutsystems 60 a, 60 b, 60 c, and 60 d, and brace systems 74 a, 74 b, 74 c,and 74 d are extended and deployed and adjusted, as illustrated in FIG.14. Preferably, the outriggers 88 each extend to a deployed length ofabout 20 feet, so that the overall dimension of the mobile tower withsupport system 10 with the outriggers 88 deployed will fit within anapproximately 40 foot by 40 foot area. Each outrigger 40 can havevarious dimensions, but one illustrative example configuration includesan outrigger first portion 44 about 56 inches in length, an outriggersecond portion 46 about 103 inches in length, and an outrigger thirdportion 48 about 84 inches in length; similarly, the strut system canhave various dimension which correspond to the dimension of theoutriggers 40, but this illustrative example configuration includes astrut first portion 62 about 66 inches in length, a strut second portion64 about 66 inches in length, and a strut third portion 66 about 66inches in length. For applications in which a shorter extended height oftower 14 can be utilized, the tower 14, the series 15, the outriggers40, the strut systems 60, and other components described herein can becorrespondingly smaller in dimension.

The foot pads 52 a, 52 b, 52 c, and 52 d are adjusted by actuation ofthe foot pivoting joints 49 a, 49 b, 49 c, and 49 d and the foot padtelescoping joints 51 a, 51 b, 52 c, and 52 d as illustrated in FIGS.18A-18B so that the respective foot pads 52 a, 52 b, 52 c, and 52 dcontact the ground 2 to support and stabilize the mobile tower withsupport system 10.

The mobile tower with support system 10 preferably includes a riggingsystem 84, including rigging apparatus or guy wire torque ring 85 asillustrated in FIGS. 19-20. After the outriggers 40, the strut systems60, the brace systems 74, and the foot pads 52 are adjusted anddeployed, the tower 14 is preferably partially extended about 10 feet toa “maintenance height” convenient for attachment or other manipulationof apparatus, such as the rigging apparatus 85, the rigging system 84,or the payload support apparatus 33. With the tower partially extended,the rigging apparatus 85 is attached to the tower 14 by securementapparatus 86 as illustrated in FIG. 21. Preferably, the securementapparatus 86 includes an engagement element or tooth 93, which engages aportion of each rack 30 (see FIGS. 21 and 26A, for example) of therespective tower segments 16 at the desired location for attachment ofthe rigging apparatus 85. The rigging apparatus 84 can be attached tothe tower 14 at various locations along the tower 14, but preferably therigging apparatus 84 will be attached to the tower 14 about 10 feet fromthe top of the tower 14; for a typical tower height of 80 feet, therigging apparatus will be preferably attached to the tower 14 at alocation that is about 70 feet above the ground. The mobile tower withsupport system 10 preferably includes guy wire upper attachment features87 a-87 h. In some embodiments, the tower 14 can include the upperattachment features 87 a-87 h, but preferably, the rigging system 84includes the guy wire upper attachment features 87 a-87 h. Preferably,the trailer 35 includes guy wires 88 (further described below), whichattach to the rigging system 84 and to each of the outriggers 40. Asillustrated on the figures, the tower 14 preferably has a generallythree-sided configuration, and there are preferably four outriggers 40.The rigging apparatus 85 preferably encircles the tower 14 to providesupport and stability for the tower when deployed. The rigging apparatus85 also provides for attachment of 4 opposed pairs of guy wires 88 tothe three-sided tower for attachment to the four outriggers 40. In thisway, the rigging system 84, which includes the rigging apparatus 85 andthe guy wires 88 attached to the outriggers 40 can provide enhancedsupport and stability for the tower 14 while taking advantage of thefour outriggers 40, as will be further described below.

After the rigging apparatus 85 is attached to the tower 14 by engagingthe securement apparatus 86 to the tower 14, guy wires 88 a-88 h areattached the outer perimeter 83 of the rigging apparatus 85, by securingthe respective guy wires 88 a-88 h to guy wire upper attachment features87 a-87 h, each of which is preferably a flange in which a hole isprovided for attachment of a first end 91 of each guy wire 88, whichpreferably includes a hook 98, which can be inserted into the respectivehole so as to engage the flange 87 a-87 h, as illustrated in FIGS.22-24A (see hooks 98 in FIG. 24A). Each guy wire 88 is preferably anelongated wire or cable structure which provides strength in tension andhas a first end 91 and a second end 92, with the first end 91 adapted toattach to the guy wire upper attachment feature 87, as illustrated inFIG. 24A, and the second end 92 adapted to attach to a come-along 89,which is preferably attached by a hook 99 to an outrigger 40 at acome-along attachment feature 90, which is preferably a flange 90 inwhich a hole is provided, so as to preferably enable the respective hook99 to be inserted into and engaged within the hole in the respectiveflange 90, as illustrated in FIG. 24B. The guy wire upper attachmentfeatures or connecting positions 87 preferably include hooks, loops,bars, holes, or other similar structure adapted for attachment of thefirst end 91 of the guy wire 88. Similarly, the first ends 91 of therespective guy wires 88 a-88 h may include hooks, loops, bars, or othersimilar structure adapted for attachment to the guy wire upperattachment features or connecting positions 87 a-87 h, preferably hooks98. The guy wire upper attachment features 87 are preferably displacedfrom one another and are located on the outer perimeter 83 of riggingapparatus 85 which preferably encircles the tower 14 when attached, asdescribed above. This arrangement provides a greater distance ordisplacement between the guy wire upper attachment features 87 and thetower 14, thereby providing greater torque effectiveness for the guywires 88, when attached and tensioned as describe herein, to betterresist twisting or torsion loads which may be applied, such as by thewind impinging upon a payload 6 mounted on a tower top platform 12 orthe payload support apparatus 33, for example, than would be provided ifthe guy wires 88 were attached directly to the tower segments 16 of thetower or tower mast 14. Furthermore, the attachment of the guy wires 88to connecting positions or guy wire upper attachment features 87 a-87 fthat are displaced from one another as discussed herein, enables therigging system 84 to provide greater resistance to twisting or torsionloads.

The come-along 89 will preferably have a come-along attachment feature90 are preferably holes as shown in FIG. 24b include hooks, but couldalternately include loops, bars, or other similar structures adapted forattachment of the come-along 89 to the respective outrigger 40. Thecome-along 89 preferably includes hooks, loops, other similar structureadapted for attachment of the second end 92 of the guy wire 88.Preferably, the first end 91 and the second end 92 of each guy wire 89are adapted for connection to guy wire upper attachment feature 87 andthe come-along 89, respectively. After each guy wire 88 is attached tothe respective guy wire upper attachment feature 87, and preferably tothe respective come-along 89, which is attached to the respectiveoutrigger 40 via the respective come-along attachment feature, the tower14 is extended further. When the tower 14 is extended to a desireddeployed height for use, each come-along 89 is used to release or takeup slack in the respective guy wire 88 to which the come-along 89 isattached and to adjust the tension in the respective guy wire 88.

Alternatively, the tower 14 can include upper attachment features 87,without the rigging apparatus 85, so that the guy wires 88 are securedto the tower 14; preferably, however, the rigging apparatus 85 is usedas described. In other alternative configurations, some of the guy wires88 can be attached via the rigging apparatus 85 as described herein, andother of the guy wires 88 can be attached directly to the tower 14; forexample, a set of the guy wires 88 can be attached to the tower 14 at anintermediate location lower than the location at which the riggingapparatus 85 is attached to the tower 14. In yet other alternativeconfigurations, more than one rigging apparatus 85 can be used, at morethan one height along the tower 14. In still other alternativeconfigurations, some of the guy wires 88 can be attached directly to thetower 14 at a location near the top of the tower 14, and other of theguy wires 88 can be attached directly to the tower 14 at a locationlower on the tower 14.

The outriggers 40 are preferably deployed in a generally X configurationwith respect to the trailer 35, as illustrated in FIG. 23A, with anoutrigger 40 extending outward from the trailer 35 and with oneoutrigger near each corner of the trailer 35. The guy wire upperattachment features 87 a-87 h are preferably located at locations on therigging apparatus 85 which are oriented more at the sides and ends ofthe trailer as shown.

After the guy wires 88 have been attached as described above, the tower14 is further extended to a height desired for the particularapplication for which the tower 14 is to be utilized, and the tension ineach guy wire 88 is adjusted by manipulation of the respectivecome-along 89, resulting in the configuration depicted in FIGS. 5, 23B,and 25.

The guy wires 88 are preferably arranged in generally opposed pairs asillustrated in FIG. 23B to provide support and stability to the tower 14against various loads which may be applied, for example, by the wind.For example, the guy wire upper attachment feature 87 b is near the guywire attachment feature 87 c, but whereas guy wire 88 b is preferablyattached to guy wire upper attachment feature 87 b and to come-along 89b which is attached to outrigger 40 a via come-along attachment feature90 b, the guy wire 88 c is preferably attached to guy wire upperattachment feature 87 c and to come-along 89 c which is attached tooutrigger 40 b via come-along attachment feature 90 c. This arrangementprovides a generally opposed pair of guy wires 88 b and 88 c which areultimately attached to opposed outriggers 40 b and 40 c. Thus, a loadapplied to the tower 14 in a direction that would tend to increasetension in the guy wire 88 b (and decrease tension in the guy wire 88 c)would be resisted by the guy wire 88 b which is attached to theoutrigger 40 a, while a load applied to the tower 14 in an oppositedirection that would tend to increase tension in the guy wire 88 c (anddecrease tension in the guy wire 88 b) would be resisted by the guy wire88 c which is attached to the outrigger 40 b. Similarly, the pairs ofguy wires 88 d and 88 e, 88 f and 88 g, and 88 h and 88 a, are attached(via respective come-alongs 89 and come-along attachment features 90) toopposed pairs of outriggers 40 b and 40 c, 40 c and 40 d, and 40 d and40 a, respectively, and provide support and stability to the tower 14against loads which may be applied in a direction or orientation whichmay vary with location or with time, such as wind loading which may bemore prevalent from the front of the trailer 35 in one location at whichthe mobile tower having support system 10 is deployed, and moreprevalent from the rear of the trailer 35 in another location at whichthe mobile tower having support system 10 is deployed, for example, orwind loading which varies in direction over time, from one side andlater from another side of the trailer 35, as the wind varies over time,for example.

Preferably, the guy wire upper attachment features 87 a-87 h are locatedapproximately equidistant from a tower vertical axis 39, and thereforelie approximately on a horizontal circle 94 which is centered on thetower vertical axis 39, as illustrated in FIG. 23C. The come-alongattachment features 90 a-90 h are preferably located proximate therespective outrigger ends 81 a-81 d. The guy wire 88, when attached tothe respective come-along 89, connects between the respective guy wireupper attachment feature 87 and the respective come-along attachmentfeature 90. An outrigger orientation line 82 (82 a, 82 b, 82 c, 82 d) isdefined as extending from the respective outrigger end 81 and intersectsperpendicularly with the horizontal circle 94 and also intersects withthe tower vertical axis 39, as illustrated in FIGS. 23B-23C. Preferably,there is a pair of two guy wires 88 and corresponding come-alongs 89attached to each outrigger 40 proximate the respective outrigger end 81,with corresponding guy wire upper attachment features 87 and come-alongattachment features 90. A first angular displacement 95 (95 a, 95 b, 95c, 95 d) is defined as the angular extent of the arc portion of thehorizontal circle 94 from the outrigger orientation line 82 to therespective guy wire upper attachment feature 87 to which one of the pairof guy wires 88 associated with a particular outrigger 40 is attached,and a second angular displacement 96 (96 a, 96 b, 96 c, 96 d) is definedas the angular extent of the arc portion of the horizontal circle 94from the outrigger orientation line 82 to the respective guy wire upperattachment feature 87 to which the other of the pair of guy wires 88associated with a particular outrigger 40 is attached. Accordingly, athird angular displacement 97 (97 a, 97 b, 97 c, 97 d) is defined as theangular extent of the arc portion of the horizontal circle 94 from theguy wire upper attachment feature 87 to which one of the pair of guywires 88 associated with a particular outrigger 40 is attached to theguy wire upper attachment feature 87 to which the other of the pair ofguy wires 88 associated with a particular outrigger 40 is attached.

The tension in each guy wire 88 guy wire can be measured, for example,using a device such as the tension measurement device 8 illustrated inFIG. 27. An example of a suitable device is a tension gauge such as itemPT-3 from Lexco Cable Mfg., Norridge, Ill. Another example is a tensiongauge model PT-2 from Loos & Co., Pomfret, Conn. The guy wire 88preferably includes 5/16 inch 1×7 cable, such as may be obtained fromLexco Cable Mfg., Norridge, Ill., or alternatively from Loos & Co.,Pomfret, Conn. Other configurations can be used, such as ¼ inch or ⅜inch diameter wire can be used, but the 5/16 inch 1×7 configuration ispreferred to reduce stretching when tension is applied to the guy wire88; the cable is preferably pre-stretched, also to reduce stretchingwhen tension is applied to the guy wire 88. The length of the guy wire88 is chosen according to the height of the tower 14 and the dimensionsof the outriggers, but commonly a 70-foot length of cable is used foreach guy wire 88. Various numbers of guy wires 88 can be utilized, butthere are preferably twice the number of guy wires as there areoutriggers, so that opposed pairs of guy wires 88 can be used, asdescribed above. It is even possible to use the mobile tower havingsupport system 10 without the rigging system 84 and the guy wires 88,for example, when no significant wind loading is present, but it ispreferable to use the guy wires 88 for enhanced support and stabilityfor the extended tower 14. The tension in the guy wires 88 is preferablyadjusted to less than about 15% of the rated strength of the cable used;more preferably, the tension in the guy wires 88 is adjusted to lessthan 10% of the rated strength of the cable used in order to minimizethe downward force on the tower 14 applied by the guy wires 88. Forexample, the tension in the guy wires 88 is preferably adjusted to fromabout 240 to about 2000 pounds, preferably from about 300 to about 1400pounds, more preferably from about 400 to about 1000 pounds, even morepreferably from about 500 to about 800 pounds and most preferably fromabout 650 to about 700 pounds.

It will also be appreciated that in certain alternate embodiments of thepresent invention, the extendable retractable tower 114 (see FIG. 28)will be secured to an alternate frame 136 that is not a part of atrailer. Such a tower 114 can alternately include pockets (not shown)for a forklift pick-up to enable movement of the frame 136, to which thetower 114 is secured, from one location to another. It will beappreciated that this alternate frame 136 will have most of thecomponents of the frame 36 shown in the drawings, but that it will nothave wheels 34 as the preferred trailer 35, shown in the drawingfigures, has. Such an alternate tower 114 secured to an alternate frame136 is envisioned as a part of the present invention. Furthermore, suchan alternate tower 114, need not be secured by guy wires 188, dependingupon the height of the tower and the wind and other conditions at thesite where the tower is deployed and erected.

The loading of the tower 14 and the guy wires 88 is further influencedby wind and an effective “sail area” of the payload 6 and the payloadsupport apparatus 33 which is attached to the tower 14. Preferably, thetower 14 can be extended to a height of about 80 feet, and with therigging system 84 attached and the guy wires 88 secured to the deployedoutriggers 40, the mobile tower having support system 10 can support a90 mile per hour wind with a “sail area” of about 103 square feet, whilesupporting a payload weight of about 2000 pounds, for example.

The mobile tower having support system 10 preferably includes at leastthree series of pivotally interconnected tower segments 15 (which mayalso be referred to herein as “series 15” or “chains 15”). The mobiletower having support system 10 illustrated in the drawings show threeseries of pivotally interconnected tower segments 15 a, 15 b, and 15 c.Each of the respective series 15 includes many tower segments 16 asshown. For ease of reference, the individual tower segments 16 may bespecifically referred to, with series 15 a including tower segments 16aa-16 an, series 15 b including tower segments 16 ba-16 bn, and series15 c including tower segments 16 ca-16 cn. Each tower segment 16 isconnected to its neighboring tower segment 16 in the respective series15 by a first intersegment pivoting joint 17 and a second intersegmentpivoting joint 18 as illustrated best in FIGS. 26A-26C. Note that FIG.26A shows only portions of each of the three series 15 a, 15 b, and 15c, including four of the tower segments 16 of each of the respectiveseries 15 a-15 c to more clearly illustrate the structure and function;while FIGS. 1-5 illustrate all of the tower segments 16 aa-16 an, 16ba-16 bn, and 16 ca-16 cn of the series of pivotally interconnectedtower segments 15 a, 15 b, and 15 c, respectively (although the view ofsome of the tower segments 16 is obstructed by other structures). As canbe seen particularly in FIG. 26A, the first intersegment pivoting joints17 and the second intersegment pivoting joints 18 are configured andarranged to allow the adjacent tower segments 16 in a series 15 to pivotwith respect to each other, so that the series 15 can be folded orrolled up. Each series of pivotally interconnected tower segments 15 ispreferably attached to a hub assembly 21 which is supported by a hubsupport apparatus 29 which accommodates movements of the respectiveseries 15 as the segments pivot to roll up or unroll the series 15. Asthe series 15 is rolled up or unrolled, the hub assembly rotatesgenerally about a hub axis 22.

Each of the first intersegment pivoting joints 17 preferably includes afirst hook 19. Each of the second intersegment pivoting joints 18preferably includes a second hook 20. Each tower segment 16 preferablyincludes a first shank recess 24 and a first shank aperture 25 and asecond shank recess 26 and a second shank aperture 27. Each first hook19 preferably includes a first shank portion 23 which engages the firstshank recess 24 in one of the tower segments 16 and rotatingly engagesthe first shank aperture 25 in an adjacent tower segment 16, and eachsecond hook 20 preferably includes a second shank portion 26 whichengages the second shank recess 27 in one of the tower segments 16 androtatingly engages the second shank aperture 28 in an adjacent towersegment 16. Preferably, the first hook 19 and the second hook 20 areeach secured to the respective tower segment 16 so that the first shankportion 23 and the second shank portion 26 remain in fixed positionsrelative to the first shank recess 24 and the second shank recess 27,respectively, while the first shank portion 23 and the second shankportion 26 are free to rotate with respect to the first shank aperture25 and the second shank aperture 28, respectively, when the adjacenttower segments 16 in each series 15 pivot with respect to each other andthe series 15 is rolled or unrolled. As an example, the arrangement ofthe first hook 19 ag having a first shank portion 23 ag secured to thetower segment 16 ag at first shank recess 24 ag and also secured to thetower segment 16 af at first shank aperture 25 af to pivotably securethe tower segment 16 af and the tower segment 16 ag is illustrated inFIG. 26C; the arrangement of the second hook 20 ag is similar, with thesecond hook 20 ag having a second shank portion 26 ag secured to thetower segment 16 ag at second shank recess 27 ag and also secured to thetower segment 16 af at second shank aperture 28 af to pivotably securethe tower segment 16 af and the tower segment 16 ag.

The first hook 19 and the second hook 20 preferably are furtherconfigured and arranged so that the first hook 19 of one of the towersegments 16 in one of the series 15 engages the second hook 20 of one ofthe tower segments 16 in another of the series 15 as each of the series15 is unrolled. For example, referring to FIG. 26A, which illustrates aportion of series 15 a, 15 b, and 15 c partially unrolled, first hook 19ae and first hook 19 af, which are located at the upper and lowerportion, respectively, of the left portion of tower segment 16 ae, areengaged with second hook 20 be and second 20 bf of the correspondingtower segment 16 be. Similarly, hook second 20 ae and second 20 af,which are located at the upper and lower portion, respectively, of theright portion of tower segment 16 ae, are engaged with first hook 19 ceand first hook 19 cf of the corresponding tower segment 16 ce. Alsosimilarly, first hook 19 be and first hook 19 bf, which are located atthe upper and lower portion, respectively, of tower segment 16 be, areengaged with second hook 20 ce and second 20 cf of the correspondingtower segment 16 ce. Each series of pivotally interconnected towersegments 15 a, 15 b, and 15 c, is attached to the respective hubassembly 21 a, 21 b, and 21 c, respectively, which is supported by thehub support apparatus 29 a, 29 b, and 29 c, respectively (FIG. 22). Eachseries of pivotally interconnected tower segments 15 a, 15 b, and 15 c,rotates generally about a hub axis 22 a, 22 b, and 22 c, respectively,as each series 15 a, 15 b, and 15 c is unrolled in concert, withserieswise engagement of corresponding tower segments 16 ae, 16 be, and16 ce, followed by corresponding tower segments 16 af, 16 bf, and 16 cf,followed by corresponding tower segments 16 ag, 16 bg, and 16 cg, and soforth, until tower segments 16 aa-16 an, 16 ba-16 bn, and 16 ca-16 bnare engaged with the corresponding segments, with the correspondingfirst hooks 19 aa-19 an engaging with the corresponding second hooks 20aa-20 an, and forming the tower structure illustrated, which extendsupward as tower 14 is thereby assembled and extended. As each towersegment 16 of one of the series 15 is engaged with corresponding towersegments 16 of each of the other series 15 by engagement ofcorresponding first hooks 19 and second hooks 20, the three towersegments together define a tower story 38. As each tower segments 16 ofeach of the series 15 are similarly engaged and assembled withcorresponding tower segments 16 of each of the other of the series,tower stories 38 a-38 n are assembled. The tower vertical axis 39 isalso the axis of each tower story 38 when each tower story 38 isassembled and the tower 14 is assembled and extended. Each of the series15 (15 a, 15 b, 15 c) is preferably attached to the respective hubassembly 21 (21 a, 21 b, 21 c) which is supported by a respective hubsupport apparatus 29 (29 a, 29 b, 29 c) which accommodates movements ofthe respective series 15 as the segments pivot to roll up or unroll theseries 15. As each series 15 a, 15 b, 15 c is unrolled in concert, thefirst shank portion 23 of the first hook 19 of corresponding towersegments 16 rotates with respect to the corresponding first shankaperture 25 of the adjacent tower segment 16 and the second shankportion 26 rotates of the second hook 20 rotates with respect to thecorresponding second shank aperture 28 of the adjacent tower segment 16,with the adjacent tower segments 16 thereby pivoting with respect toeach other as each of the series 15 are unrolled. By this pivoting ofadjacent tower segments 16 within each of the series 15 and theengagement of the first hook 19 and second hook 20 of correspondingtower segments 16 of corresponding series 15, the tower 14 is extendedupwardly as the segments 15 are unrolled. In the opposite functionality,the tower 14 is lowered or retracted as the series are rolled up.Preferably, the tower 14 can be raised or extended, or lowered orretracted, various amounts, as desired for the particular applicationand location. More preferably, the tower 14 extension and retraction arecontinuously variable, allowing for any amount of extension, within thelimit of the total height of the tower 14 as limited by unrolled lengthof each of the series 15.

Each tower segment (16 aa-16 an, 16 ba-16 bn, 16 ca-16 bn) preferablyincludes an extended series of engagement features or rack (30 aa-an, 30ba-bn, 30 ca-cn).

The mobile tower having support system 10 preferably includes a motorand gearing assembly 31 which drives the extension and retraction of thetower 14 by engagement with the tower segments 16 by way of therespective rack 30. The mobile tower having support system 10 preferablyincludes a control system 32 which controls the motor and gearingassembly 31 to extend and retract the tower 14 as desired.

There are many situations in which the mobile tower with support system10 can be advantageously utilized to support a payload 6 a distanceabove the ground, such as to support a communication antenna, lighting,camera or other monitoring equipment, surveying or reconnaissanceequipment, or for supporting personnel, for example. The presentinvention is particularly advantageous for situations in which rapiddeployment of a tower offers benefit, such as for rapid response at alocation affected by a weather event or other disruptive situation orequipment failure, or when rapid deployment offers a strategic advantagein a law enforcement or military action, for example. Various types andconfigurations of payload support apparatus 33 can be utilized asappropriate, such as those illustrated herein, or as needed forattaching or supporting the particular payload 6 on the tower 14.

By way of illustration, some example embodiments of the invention can becharacterized by the following specifications and selected instructionsfor use of the mobile tower having support system 10.

Additional and alternative descriptive terminology is as follows. Theseries of interconnected tower segments 15, when rolled up onto therespective hub assembly 21, can be called a bale. A portion of the motorand gearing assembly 31, the portion including a centrally mounted drivesystem including a gear set which drives the three sides of the tower 14and a motor can be called a lift center and transmission. A portion ofthe mobile tower having support system 10 located proximate the towersegments 16 of the respective series 15 as they are engaging withcorresponding tower segments 16 to form a tower story 38 as describedherein, which maintains alignment of tower segments 16 as the tower 14is raised (extended upward) and lowered (retracted), and may alsoinclude safety and control elements such as limit switches, can becalled a reaction ring. A portion of the tower segment 16 which includesthe first shank aperture 25 or the second shank aperture 28, can becalled a hinge blade, and is preferably hardened steel. The controlsystem 32 may include a portion called the control box which houses atleast a portion of the control center for the mobile tower havingsupport system 10. The mobile tower having support system 10 may includea safety system which monitors the status of the bales during operationand triggers the control system 32 to halt operation (extension orretraction of the tower 14) automatically when a malfunction isdetected, which can be called a bale monitoring system. The mobile towerhaving support system 10 may include a safety system which monitors thetower operation during retraction of the tower 14 to prevent accidentaldamage due to guy wires 88, rigging apparatus 85, payload 6, payloadsupport apparatus 33, or other attachments to the tower 14 being loweredthrough the work platform 11 or interfering with other portions of themobile tower having support system 10 as the series 15 are rolled up,and also provides a manual emergency stop which can be activated bypersonnel which may be on the work platform 11, which can be called amast interference system. The system of guy wires 88, come-alongs 89,rigging apparatus 85 (if used) and other portions of the rigging system84, and may include steel wire ropes, chains, hooks, and tensioningequipment for use in securing the tower 14 in high winds, can be calleda guy wire system. A portion of the control system 32 which includesactuators for manual control of the motor and gearing assembly 31 toraise (extend upward) and lower (retract) the tower 14, and may alsoinclude an emergency stop actuator which trips a shut trip breaker todisconnect power to the control system 32 and the motor and gearingassembly 31 and preferably is configured with a cable to allow anoperator to actuate the actuators for manual control from variouspositions, can be called a tower control pendant. Switches, which arepreferably part of the mobile tower having support system 10 and whichinteract with the mast interference system and located proximate thereaction ring to stop the operation of the tower 14 (raising orlowering) to control minimum (fully retracted) or maximum (fullyextended) or maintenance stop locations, can be called limit switches.Sensors which are preferably located proximate the reaction ring andwhich interact with portions of the control system 32 and monitor theposition of tower segments 16 to ensure proper engagement ordisengagement of corresponding tower segments 16 of a tower story 38 toverify operation of the tower 14, can be called proximity sensors. Aportion of the control system 32 which provides a at least one ofbattery, generator, and line power (shore, or power grid plug-in) andpower management to control and prioritize usage from batter, generator,and line power sources, can be called a hybrid power system. Aprogrammed tower stopping height which allows for convenient access formaintenance of the payload 6 or rigging system 84 while the payload 6,payload support apparatus 33, rigging apparatus 85, or other portions ofthe rigging system 84 or other equipment is mounted to the tower 14, canbe called a maintenance height. The control system 32 may includeconnections such as for power, Ethernet or other communication, timers,status indicators, connector for a tower control pendant, generatorcontrollers, circuit breakers, emergency stop or e-stop, fault resetactuator, or other indicator or control elements.

Some embodiments have the following example specifications. Stoweddimensions (such as when compactly secured on the trailer 35) widthabout 102 inches, length about 300 inches, height about 138 inches.Fully extended height about 80 feet (additional payload elements mayextend further). Payload capacity about 2000 pounds. Tower gross weightabout 15,500 pounds, plus the weight of any payload 6 or payload supportapparatus 33. Wind rating when fully deployed and extended about 90miles per hour. Wind rating when stowed, compactly secured on thetrailer 35, about 120 miles per hour. Maximum payload sail area about102.7 square feet. Time to fully extend the tower 14 (elevate the mast)about 5 minutes. Time to fully retract the tower 14 (lower the mast)about 5 minutes. Sensors to confirm stowed position and maximumextension. Operating temperature about minus 20 degrees to about 150degrees Fahrenheit. Storage temperature about minus 20 degrees to about150 degrees Fahrenheit. Humidity tolerance at least 95%(non-condensing). Minimum IP14 rated (provide a degree of protectionagainst falling dirt, rain, sleet, and snow, and being undamaged byexternal formation of ice; any ice or snow should be removed prior tooperation). Tower operating voltage 240 volts AC single phase, plus orminus 10%. Minimum operating current 30 amperes. Heavy duty trailer,rated 10,000 pounds, tandem axles with spring suspension, electronicbrakes, and adjustable hitch. Four drop leg trailer leveling jacks with16 inch jack pads including a grounding jack pad, eight bubble levelslocated near trailer leveling jacks, adjustable to accommodate about 10degree topographical variation. Four outriggers with multi-tubeswing-out and telescoping outrigger assemblies which allow the tower tobe raised and used in moderated side wind conditions without the use ofguy wires and during guy wire installation, with outrigger drop-legjacks and jack pads. Multiple sensors for monitoring correct towerassembly and bale roll-up, raise and lower fault lights, reaction ringpressure sensor plate to prevent lowering of the tower to prevent towerdamage or operator injury during lowering, and indicators to identifyfault conditions. Eight guy wire assemblies, including wire rope, towerattachment hooks and frame, and tensioning device (i.e. come-along) andtension gauge. In some embodiments, the outrigger first portion 44 has alength of about 56 inches, the outrigger second portion 46 has a lengthof about 103 inches, the outrigger third portion 48 has a length ofabout 84 inches, the strut first portion 62 has a length of about 66inches, the strut second portion 64 has a length of about 66 inches, andthe strut third portion 66 has a length of about 66 inches.

Selected steps for operating some embodiments of the mobile tower havingsupport system 10 include the following. Place jack pads under theleveling jacks 37, with the grounding jack pad under the driver's siderear leveling jack, connect the grounding wire to the trailer groundinglug, connect the site ground to the lug, install grounding rods in theground and connect to the trailer grounding lug. For each leveling jack37, pull the pin to release the jack from the stowed position and rotatethe jack to the vertical position and replace the pin. Place a jack padunder each leveling jack 37 (with the grounding jack pad located underthe driver's side rear leveling jack 37 c). For each leveling jack 37,pull the “drop jack” pin out of the drop leg of the leveling jack andlet the drop leg fall until it engages the jack pad or reaches the endof travel, and reinstall the respective drop jack pin. Use the levelingjack to level the trailer 35 by turning cranks on the respectiveleveling jack and referring to the bubble levels, raising the levelingjacks 37 enough to reduce the weight on the trailer tires, but leavingenough weight on the trailer tires to prevent rotation of the tires.Remove the strut first telescoping pin 63 p and the strut secondtelescoping pin 65 p, and deploy each of the outriggers 40, by firstremoving the stow pin 58 and the locking pin 57 (the 45-degree pin),unlocking the latch 42 (the stow clamp), support and pull the footportion 50 to rotate the outrigger first portion 44 and the outriggersecond portion 46 into a 45 degree position with respect to the trailerby pivoting the outrigger first pivoting joint 43 and the outriggersecond pivoting joint 45, and replace the locking pin 57 and the stowpin 58 to lock the outrigger 40 in position; pull the outriggertelescoping pin 47 p and extend the outrigger third portion 48 from theoutrigger second portion 46 until it stops, and replace the outriggertelescoping pin 47 p; adjust vertical position of the outrigger 40 usingthe brace winch 75 so the foot jack 51 is close to the ground; adjustthe orientation of the foot portion 50 by removing the foot pivot pin 49p and pivoting the foot pivoting joint 49 so that the foot jack 51 isoriented perpendicular to the ground 2 and replacing the foot pivot pin49 p in one of the holes at the foot pivoting joint 49 to secure thefoot pivoting joint 49, and further adjust the winch 75 if needed;replace the strut first telescoping pin 63 p and the strut secondtelescoping pin 63 p to secure the strut first telescoping joint 63 andthe strut second telescoping joint 65, respectively, adjusting the winch75 a small amount if needed; place jack pads under the foot jack 51,actuate the drop leg pin mechanism 53 to allow the drop leg 52 to falluntil it engages the jack pad, and adjust the foot jack 51 so the dropleg firmly engages the ground 2. Connect shore power (if used) and startup the hybrid power management system, plug in the tower controlpendant, adjust the controls to power the tower, verify the indicatorsof the control system 32 indicate proper status, and ensure all safetyprocedures and checks have been performed, and actuate the controlsystem 32 to extend the tower 14 a short distance (such as 2-6 feet, orto the maintenance height) and raise the safety rails. With the tower 14extended to a convenient height, ascend a ladder to check the upperportion of the tower 14 and install or adjust the payload supportapparatus 33, the payload 8, and install the lightning system. Raise thetower to the maintenance height and assemble and attach the riggingapparatus 85 to the tower 14 by installing each respective securementapparatus 86 at the desired location on the tower 14 (with each tooth 93engaging the respective rack 30); attach each guy wire 88 to therespective guy wire upper attachment feature 87 and extend each guy wire88 away from the tower with 2 guy wires 88 aligning generally towardseach outrigger 40 according to the general layout illustrated in FIG.23A, and install a lightning cable standoff. Raise the tower to fullheight, ensuring that the guy wires 88 do not get caught on anything,and use an orientation indicator such as a laser to ensure the tower 14stays straight and vertical when the guy wires 88 are subsequentlytightened and adjusted. Attach each come-along 89 to the respective guywire 88 and the come-along attachment feature 90 on the outrigger 40near the outrigger end 81, and adjust the tension in each guy wire 88 byactuating the respective come-along 89, ensuring that the tower remainsvertical and adjusting the relative tension in the guy wires 88 asneeded, until there is only a slight amount of sag in the guy wires 88.Use the tension measurement device 8 and the respective come-along 89 totighten one of the guy wires 88 until the tension measurement device 8registers a reading, and then use the tension measurement device 8 andthe respective come-along 89 in each of the other guy wires 88 until thereadings for all guy wires 88 are about equal, starting with a lowtension; observe the orientation of the tower using the laser andcontinue to adjust the tension in each guy wire to obtain a similartension reading indicating a tension within the desired range, for eachguy wire 88, with the tower being vertical, and secure the come-alongs89. Check the tension in each guy wire 88 after known wind events orafter every 45 days to detect any stretching of the guy wires 88. Whenit is desired take down the tower 14 and compactly secure the mobiletower having support system 10 to the trailer 35, ensure all safetyprocedures and checks have been performed, and actuate the controlsystem 32 to retract the tower 14 to a convenient height to accessremove or adjust the payload support apparatus 33, the payload 8, removethe lightning system, disengage the guy wires 88 from the guy wire upperattachment features 87, and remove the rigging apparatus 85 from thetower 14. After removing any equipment which may interfere with properretraction of the tower 14 and rolling up of the series ofinterconnected tower segments 15, lower the tower 14 to the stowedposition and power down the control system 32 to prevent inadvertentactuation of the motor and gearing assembly 31 and any actuation of thetower 14. Remove and stow the guy wires 88 and come-alongs 89, andcompactly secure each outrigger 40 for transport, following the reverseof the procedure used to deploy each outrigger 40. Prior to transport,raise and stow each leveling jack 37.

Preferably, the motor and gearing assembly 31 includes manual crankdownapparatus including a brakemotor, a brake, a brakemotor shaft, a drivesocket, and a brake release handle; the manual crankdown apparatusprovides for controlled lowering of the tower 14 under its own weight,with a brake operated by a brake handle to limit the speed, until thetower 14 stops lowering; the last amount of crankdown is achieved byusing a drive socket to turn the brakemotor shaft the remaining amount,using a portable electric drill for assistance if desired.

Referring now to FIG. 28, a tower or a tower with support system 110 isshown. The tower 110 can be configured and arranged for transport to alocation and for rapid deployment at the location, but it is built on aframe 136 that does not have wheels and is not a trailer, as opposed tothe tower with support system 10 that is includes a trailer 35, as shownin FIG. 1. Referring now further to FIG. 28, the tower with supportsystem 110 includes a frame 136 having a plurality of outriggers 140that are preferably compactly secured to the frame 136 for transport sothat the tower 110 can be moved from place to place. The tower withsupport system 110 includes an extendable and retractable tower 114, aframe 136 and a plurality of outriggers 140 (individually referred to asitems 140 a, 140 b, 140 c, 140 d), which are compactly secured to theframe 35. The frame 136 does not have wheels 34, but it has essentiallyall of the other parts or features of the mobile tower 10, disclosedherein above and in drawing FIGS. 1-26, except that the frame 136 is nota trailer and it does not have wheels. It will be appreciated that thereare many situations in which such a tower can be advantageously utilizedto support a payload 106 a distance above the ground, such as to supporta communication antenna, lighting, camera or other monitoring equipment,surveying or reconnaissance equipment, or for supporting personnel, forexample, and that such a tower 110 need not be on a trailer or othermobile platform as the mobile tower 10, shown in FIGS. 1-26, is. Thepresent invention is particularly advantageous for situations in whichrapid deployment of a tower offers benefit, such as for rapid responseat a location affected by a weather event or other disruptive situationor equipment failure, or when rapid deployment offers a strategicadvantage in a law enforcement or military action, for example, but itwill also be appreciate that the alternate tower 110 will also behelpful under other circumstances where mobility is not an essentialrequirement.

It is to be understood, however, that even though numerouscharacteristics and advantages of the present invention have been setforth in the foregoing description, together with details of thestructure and function of the invention, the disclosure is illustrativeonly, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape,size and arrangement of parts within the principles of the invention tothe full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms inwhich the appended claims are expressed.

What is claimed is:
 1. A mobile tower for transportation to and rapiddeployment at remote sites where the mobile tower can be engaged withthe ground, the mobile tower comprising: an extendable and retractabletower secured to a mobile support structure; the mobile supportstructure including a trailer having a frame; the trailer including aplurality of rapidly deployable outriggers for ground engagement;wherein the outriggers can be compactly secured to the frame duringtransportation to such remote sites and rapidly deployed to stabilizethe tower at such remote sites; wherein the tower includes three seriesof pivotally interconnected tower segments; wherein tower segments ineach of the respective series of pivotally interconnected tower segmentsengage with tower segments in each of the other two of the three seriesof pivotally interconnected tower segments when the tower is at leastpartially assembled such that one tower segment from each of the threeseries of tower segments will be engaged with one tower segment of eachof the other two series of pivotally interconnected tower segments toform a series of tower stories each including three tower segments;wherein when the tower is assembled, each tower story will have an axiscentral to and generally equidistant from each of the respective towersegments within each of the respective tower stories; the mobile towerfurther including a rigging apparatus and a plurality of guy wires forstabilizing the tower when the tower is assembled, wherein the riggingapparatus is secured to the tower proximate one of the respective towerstories when the tower is at least partially assembled; wherein therigging apparatus generally encircles the tower proximate one of therespective tower stories when it is secured to the tower; and whereineach of the respective plurality of guy wires is secured to andinterconnected between the rigging apparatus and one of the plurality ofoutriggers when the respective outrigger is deployed; wherein each ofthe respective outriggers have two of the plurality of guy wires securedproximate an end of each of the outriggers when the respectiveoutriggers are deployed and the tower is at least partially assembled;wherein each of the two guy wires secured proximate the end of each ofthe respective outriggers is also secured to the rigging apparatus;wherein each of the two guy wires secured between the respectiveoutriggers and the rigging apparatus are interconnected to the riggingapparatus in first and second connecting positions that are displacedfrom one another about an outer perimeter of the rigging apparatus. 2.The mobile tower of claim 1, wherein the first and second connectingpositions are generally equidistant from the axis of the tower storymost proximate the rigging apparatus.
 3. The mobile tower of claim 1,wherein tower segments in each of the respective series of pivotallyinterconnected tower segments engage with tower segments in each of theother two of the three series of pivotally interconnected tower segmentswhen the tower is at least partially assembled such that one towersegment from each of the three series of tower segments will be engagedwith one tower segment of each of the other two series of pivotallyinterconnected tower segments to form a series of tower stories eachincluding three tower segments, one from each of the respective seriesof pivotally interconnected tower segments.
 4. The mobile tower of claim1, wherein the outriggers are pivotally secured to the frame; andwherein each of the outriggers includes a plurality of members and atleast one of the plurality of members is telescopically expandable fromanother one of the plurality of members so as to extend the length ofthe respective outrigger during deployment.
 5. The mobile tower of claim1, further comprising a bracing structure attached to one of theplurality of outriggers.
 6. The mobile tower of claim 5, wherein thebracing structure includes: a telescoping strut having a first strut endand a second strut end, the first strut end pivotably attached to one ofthe plurality of outriggers, and the second strut end pivotably attachedto the frame; and a brace wire and a winch for raising and lowering theoutriggers for ground engagement on uneven ground.
 7. The mobile towerof claim 1, further comprising a plurality of bracing structures, eachof the plurality of bracing structures attached to one of the pluralityof outriggers.
 8. The mobile tower of claim 1, wherein when towersegments in each of the segment chains engage with tower segments inother of the at least three segment chains the engaged tower segmentsdefine a tower axis, wherein the tower axis is generally vertical duringtransportation to such remote sites.
 9. The mobile tower of claim 5, thetower has a fully retracted height and a fully extended height, andwherein the fully extended height is at least 7 times the fullyretracted height.
 10. The mobile tower of claim 1, further comprising aplurality of guy wires, each guy wire having a first guy wire end and asecond guy wire end, wherein the first guy wire end attaches to thetower and the second guy wire end attaches to one of the plurality ofoutriggers.
 11. The mobile tower of claim 10, further comprising anoffset mounting member [aka “halo” or rigging apparatus] attached to thetower, and wherein the second guy wire end attaches to the towerindirectly by attachment to the offset mounting member.
 12. The mobiletower of claim 11, wherein the tower and the offset mounting member areconfigured and arranged to attach to and detach from the tower when thetower is partially extended.
 13. The mobile tower of claim 11, whereinthe plurality of section chains includes 3 section chains, and theoffset mounting member includes attachment features for attachment ofmore than 3 guy wires.
 14. The mobile tower of claim 13, wherein theplurality of guy wires includes 8 guy wires and the offset mountingmember includes attachment features for attachment of 8 guy wires. 15.The mobile tower of claim 12, wherein two of the plurality of guy wiresattach to each of the plurality of outriggers.
 16. The mobile tower ofclaim 1, wherein the rigging apparatus is secured to tower segmentsproximate a single tower story and includes connecting positions for 8guy wires, two of which are interconnected to each of four outriggers;wherein each of the two guy wires interconnected with each of therespective outriggers are attached to connecting positions which arespaced apart from one another.
 17. The mobile tower of claim 1, whereineach of the plurality of outriggers includes a pivotal interconnectionbetween two of the plurality of members and the pivotal interconnectionpivots during deployment of the respective outrigger.
 18. A method oferecting a mobile tower at a remote site on a ground, comprising thesteps of: providing a remotely deployable mobile tower including threesection chains, each section chain including a series of pivotallyinterconnected chain sections rolled into a bale, each chain sectionhaving hooks that engage hooks on corresponding chain sections of otherof the three section chains to interlock the corresponding chainsections when the bales are unrolled, so that the interlocked chainsections assemble to form a stable structure which extends to form atower as the bales are unrolled, the three bales being attached to amobile trailer; providing a mobile support system including the trailer,the trailer having a frame, and the mobile support system including aplurality of rapidly deployable outriggers that can be compactly securedto the frame during transportation at such remote sites, each outriggerincluding a plurality of outrigger members at least one of which ispivotally interconnected with another one of the outrigger members andat least one of the outrigger members is slideably interconnected withanother one of the outrigger members to form a telescopically expandablestructure, so that each outrigger is transformable between a compacttransportation configuration and a less-compact deployed configuration;configuring the mobile tower and the mobile support system in atransportation configuration in which the mobile tower and mobilesupport system are secured together on the trailer in a compactconfiguration which allows transport to the remote site; transformingthe outriggers from the compact transportation configuration to adeployed configuration in which each outrigger engages the groundsurface, with the point of engagement of the respective outriggers beingarranged to provide stable support for the tower when erected; andunrolling the bales so that the chain sections interlock to form towerwhile the support system aids in stabilizing the structure; wherein thestep of unrolling the bales so that the chain sections interlock to formtower includes the step of pausing the unrolling as the tower ispartially assembled so that the tower extends an initial distance, andfurther comprising the steps of: providing an attachable guy-wiremounting structure; providing a plurality of guy wires, each of whichhaving a first end and a second end; attaching the attachable guy-wiremounting structure to the partially assembled tower and attaching thefirst end of each of the plurality of guy wires to the attachableguy-wire mounting structure; attaching the second end of each of theplurality of guy wires to one of the plurality of outriggers; furtherunrolling the bales to extend the tower; and adjusting the length andtension of the guy wires to provide support for the erected tower. 19.The method of claim 18, further comprising the steps of: providing atension measurement device; providing a vertical alignment measurementdevice; and using the vertical alignment measurement device and thetension measurement device to aid in the step of adjusting the lengthand tension of the guy wires to facilitate alignment for verticalorientation of the erected tower and tension for support againstanticipated loads.
 20. The method of claim 18, further comprising thesteps of: partially rolling up the bales to partially disassemble thetower; detaching the first end of the guy wires from the attachableguy-wire mounting structure; detaching the attachable guy-wire mountingstructure from the tower; further rolling up the bales to disassemblethe tower; detaching the second end of the guy wires from theoutriggers; and transforming the outriggers from the deployedconfiguration to the compact transportation configuration.
 21. Themethod of claim 18, further comprising the steps of: providing aplurality of brace wires, each brace wire having a first end and asecond end, each of the respective first end being secured to each of aplurality of winches, each of the respective winches being secured tothe frame; and wherein the step of transforming the outriggers from thecompact transportation configuration to a deployed configurationincludes the steps of attaching the second end of each of the pluralityof brace wires to one of the plurality of outriggers; and using each ofthe plurality of winches to adjust the length and tension of therespective brace wire to raise or lower the respective outrigger tocontact the ground surface to support the trailer and the mobile tower.22. The method of claim 21, wherein the plurality of outriggers of theprovided mobile support system each includes a plurality of longitudinalmembers and a plurality of joints and a plurality of securing mechanismsand a support strut and a foot having a foot pad, and further comprisingthe step of moving each of the plurality of joints to configure thelongitudinal members and the support strut in a deployed configurationgenerally extending from the trailer and configuring the respective footso that the respective foot pad contacts the ground surface, and usingeach of the plurality of securing mechanisms to secure each of therespective joints in the deployed configuration.